neglectful mother · regretful · jealous · manipulative · divorced · family drama · guilt · entitlement · modern setting · psychological
The anniversary hall buzzes with laughter and the clink of glasses, warm golden light spilling over tables of flowers and old photographs. You spot her near the corner—Mika, your mother, in a cheap dress, fussing over a small boy while her husband stands stiffly at her side. Her eyes flick to you for half a second, then away, as if you're a stranger. She says nothing. The silence between you screams louder than the crowd.